permanency is, consequently, a first step towards the consideration of its effects.
I have endeavoured to trace their operation in Mexico upon each branch of the great interests of the State, but more particularly upon the Mines; the importance of which, both to New Spain and to Europe, it has been one of my principal objects to develope.
As my views upon this subject differ materially from those generally entertained, I think it right to state, most distinctly, and unreservedly, that the situation, which I had the honour of filling in Mexico, rendered it impossible for me to take any other interest in the issue of the enterprises, by which I was surrounded, than that which I could not but feel in operations, in which British capital to so large an amount is invested.
I never have possessed a single Mining share; yet, from circumstances stated in the body of my work, I have, perhaps, seen more of the mines of New Spain, and am in possession of more data, with regard to their former produce, than the majority of those, whose fortunes depend upon the result of the present attempt to work them by foreign capital. With regard to my opinion of their present prospects, the public is now in possession of the data upon which it is formed, and may rectify any errors into
